One of my favorite genres is historical fiction. The characters, real and imagined, propel the stories and seem to meet the challenges of their day with better grace than I would. I think the most stabilizing lesson I learn is the repetition of tragedy throughout history. When it comes to sin and aggression, there is nothing new under the sun. This calms me when current events cause me to quake with outrage and stimulate fear. Psalm 75 addresses these emotions, but look how it starts out,

“We give thanks to you, O, God.”

The thanks is not due to peace and prosperity. Thanks is given because in the lack of peace and prosperity God is constant. The psalmist’s assurances speak to us today:

• When the earth and all its people quake, God holds its pillars firm (v 3)—we are upset, God is not. He’s got it and us covered.
• God chooses the appointed time and judges uprightly (v 2)—in His time evil will be justly judged.
• God brings one down and exalts another (v 7)—leaders, generals, presidents, and prime ministers serve at His command.

I’m guessing you need these reassurances as much as I do so, once again, let’s proclaim, “No fear here!” Let’s choose to focus on the God who holds the world in His hands, rather than on the chaos swarming around us. God upholds the world. God appoints the time of judgement. God raises up and brings down rulers.

Finding Hope, 65 Meditations for a Broken Heart